Most of Italy’s theaters, cinemas and music venues were closed on Monday to join the widespread protest against the recent major budget and program cuts put forth by the government, via AFP.

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The two stolen statues that were returned to Italy last week were actually accidentally discovered by an Italian police officer who recognized them at an art gallery while he was on vacation in the U.S., via CBC.

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Bank of America says it will fund the restoration of many art treasures in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, including works by Picasso, Branzino and Rubens, via ARTINFO.

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Six big-name American cartoonists join the USO tour and travel to Afghanistan to talk to troops, via The Washington Post.

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BusinessWeek profiles an art-for-health-care festival in upstate New York that helps artists and musicians barter their talents to connect with physicians.

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The Los Angeles Times examines how many musicians and performers have recently boycotted performance dates in Israel for political reasons.

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LENNONYC, a documentary about John Lennon’s years living and composing in New York, airs Monday night on PBS. Check your local listings for the time.

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